Indonesia Still unknown in the world of soccer
Indonesia Still unknown in the world of soccer
JAKARTA (JP): Despite a population of 193 million people and a
65-year acquaintance with soccer, Indonesia remains unknown in
the soccer world -- if Joe Royle, manager of FA Cup winner
Everton, is any indication.
Royle, fresh from helping Everton gain the coveted title, is
on his first trip here and admits he has no knowledge of
Indonesian soccer.
Royle was special guest at a soccer tournament organized by
the British International School yesterday.
"I don't know a lot about Asian soccer. I don't know who is
the best in Asia," Royle said yesterday. The former English
international player was sorry to have to disappoint a number of
local sports journalists, eager to hear his views on this
favorite issue.
He regained his enthusiasm, however, when the reporters asked
him about Japan and South Korea, Asia's two leading soccer
powerhouses, which are vying to become the first Asian country to
host the World Cup in 2002.
"Japan has made quick progress, thanks to its growing league,"
Royle said, noting that England had been saved by David Platt's
penalty in its 2-1 win over Japan in the International Challenge
tournament on Saturday.
Royle believes both Japan and three-time World Cup qualifier
South Korea, are catching up with the Europeans.
The former Oldham manager also made it clear during the brief
interview that he was still chasing Nottingham Forest's Stan
Collymore.
"I don't know what will happen, but we have a strong chance of
getting him in," he said. Everton has bid seven million pounds in
effort to sign the goal machine.
"We need to score more goals to go to the top of the league
next season," Royle added. Playing in four competitions next
season, Everton has approached two other players apart from
Collymore. Royle, however, would not be drawn on the two
prospective additions to the team.
"Money is not the problem," said Royle, who joined Everton
last year just in time to save it from relegation.
Everton made amends for its previous losses in its four
appearances at Wembley stadium last month, beating title holder
Manchester United 1-0. It will now try to ease England's pain in
the Cup Winners' Cup.
Spain's Zaragoza dashed England's hopes of Cup glory by edging
out Chelsea in the semifinals in April and beating Arsenal in the
final in May. (amd)